Posts Tagged ‘iGoogle’

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 56,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 21 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

My favourite iGoogle Gadget for travelling is the Flight Status gadget. This way my family will be notified automatically about any delays while I am or my wife is flying. This is quite comfortable as the use of mobile devices is restricted during flights and while going through customs and control .

Like this:

Media companies are struggling. This is not new, this is not news. But this crisis accelerated their dilema. Since the first Webbrowser was distributed Media companies are looking for new sustainable business models. This is difficult in the economy of “free”. Especially around media content. The whole story and how it evolves is blogged about by Jeff Jarvis on Buzzmachine.

Since 1999 Google demonstrates what bussinnss models are working. I want to add on a global scale. Today 50% of all newspaper readers are channeled through Google (search). But is Google really the answer on the local scale ?

The strength of local companies is not the news, it is the strength of knowing the local environment. The future is not the advertising in your news that you sell it is a complete different model in my opinion. It is a very localized kind of “google” or even more. You let google do what google is best at and you do what you as the local embedded organization could do best for the people in your region.

What local people need is an urban resource planning system, a life planning system or a personal resource planning system. Making it easy for them to organize their lives based on the communication, on the news they receive from their network, from the web.

What do I mean ? As a media company you could provide the services that would support such resource planning.
Example: You write an article online about a restaurant, a theater play, an event that will take place and offer the reader to immediately reserve the ticket or the table in the restaurant out of the article , have the date entered in teh personal calendar, have the bill send or the ticket automatically paid,….

What ever local information y0u provide you organize the follow on processes for the reader. Whenever needed you link to available online systems (example what is provided by google) or build a hosting service for local applications that support very local needs, offer iphone, igoogle apps or gadgets that support the follow on processes.

To take it a step further for all the smart phone or mobile computing device users each house or location could provide information whenever you come close to these locations based on your GPS position tracked by your smart mobile device.
There are plenty of examples: you assign tasks to locations such as get medicine from the pharmacy on the way home, or buy bread at the bakery when you pass by in the morning or return from work. As soon as you come close to the location your smart mobile device will notify you of the open tasks related to this location.
Or you drive into the city and the device will tell you where the closes parking is and how many spaces are available.
Or you visit the town as a tourist and your device will offer you information on historical buildings that you pass by during your visit or it will tell you about events going to take place in the building – be it a cinema, theater, restaurant, etc.
There are hundreds of possible location based services imaginable.

Even interpersonal based services could be developped. Such as a birthday reminder once you get close to a person you know and you are connect with…

The other opportunities are around collective learning or collective smartness. One way to learn is to benchmark against others – I created an example around Linkedin: How attractive is my Linkedin Profile – The Benchmark Study ? You could benchmark your energy costs or benchmark other information where you profit from sharing these information with others to have more transparency for yourself in order to make decisions. Other opportunities are around transport. Whenever one gets into a traffic jam by sharing this information other drivers coming into the city will take a different route. Again plenty of services are imaginable.

In principal these services will need to be open and free. I cannot imagine a paid or subscriber model for the majority of these services. Income could come through referral, coupons or advertising. There are plenty of places in these services where one could place adds or get referral fees. A number of these business modells are described and calculated at: newsinnovation.com

To build such a system it could be done in cooperation between large and small players. For example computer users could provide space on their computers to support hosting of data and applications, anyone could provide content and anyone could provide samll applications based on the open standards, etc…. There only needs to be a decent model around sharing of the income generated through this system.

The best way to understand these new possible business models is to pilot them. I have been involved in pilots of the interactive television beginning of the 90s. From such pilots you will quickly learn what a user would expect from these systems and how likely they will succeed in the market place. At that time it became apparant that the technology, the costs of the system will not meet the users experience and value expectations . And as you know interactive television did not turn into a sustainable profitable business.

Ideal places for these pilots could be New York, London, Tokyo or Zurich.
Zurich has an ideal setup. It is one of the wealthiest cities, it is very international, it has a highly developed media industry, it is a major banking place, Google has its European and Middle East and African Headquarter in Zurich, Ebay has an office in Zurich, Yahoo is in Switzerland, there is the ETH and there are plenty of high tech companies in and around Zurich. And very important the major Telecom companies such as Swisscom are located in this city. Besides a very well established communication network Zurich could additionally explore the transfer of data via the electricity lines. Zurich would be well set for a pilot and could likely beocme the smartest city on earth.

Retweet This Page: Somehow I am attracted by the wisdom of the crowds. Those crowds are more intelligent than the indivudual in the crowd. So what better way to find out what smart Gadgets should be in your igoogle pages your personalized Google page is than to have a look at the most used gadgets on iGoogle. Well I could not do this without a comparision between igoogle.com and Switzerland (igoogle.ch)

Number 9: (igoogle.com)New York Times (NYT) (1 520 525 users)
Number 9: (Switzerland)Blick-online News (18 470 users)
My comparison comment: Again at igoogle.com another serious news source. Now here in Switzerland it is the colorful daily news with some bikini pictures in it or so.

Number 8: (igoogle.com)Wikipedia (1,862,838 users)
Number 8: (Switzerland)Wikipedia Suche (22’619 users)
My comparison comment: Surprise, surprise for both the same encyclopedia in their local language.

Number 7: (igoogle.com)Google News (2,297,464 users)
Number 7: (Switzerland)Date & Time (27’062 users)
My comparison comment: Google news versus showing the date and time. But wait and look at the next numbers.

Number 6: (igoogle.com)Quotes of the day (2,452,622 users)
Number 6: (Switzerland)20 Minuten | Front (29’255 users)
My comparison comment: Making a smart quote of the day versus having some broad short general news from this free news magazine that you also get for free on the train stations in Switzerland.

Number 3: (igoogle.com)wikiHow – How to of the day (7,597,367 users)
Number 3: (Switzerland)
news.ch/trends
My comparison comment: How to do things versus what are the latest trends in technology such as eGadgets.

Number 2: (igoogle.com)CNN.com (7,698,511 users)
Number 2: (Switzerland)Beobachter 05|08 (77’038 users)
My comparison comment: The well known CNN news channel versus a consumer advice magazine (something like a how to).

Overall comment: Date & Time for igoogle.com users is top priority. It seems like users have difficulties in remembering what date it is today. This gadget is a must. Also a existing time displays on computers, telephones and watches are not enough. There needs to be a time display in the iGoogle site as well. The date & time gadget made it also to the 7th place in Switzerland. Can we conclude that time is of a lesser importance in Switzerland. Maybe I should try this one and just pick someone from Switzerland randomly from the telephone book and call him to ask the question what time and date is it. The same should I do for English speaking world, probably I would choose the USA and see who cannot answer me this question. What do you think ?

Another surprising finding is that the PC News are top in Switzerland. It looks like the users of igoogle.ch are dying to get PC News. Before they worry about the world or the economy or anything else, the PC comes first. There must be so much change around PC technologies that they are utter worried they would miss it. Maybe I should try this and just call and ask what is the latest igoogle gadget that was released. Maybe the swiss would win for example over the USA user ?

Anything around Movies and Videos is definetely something special to the igoogle.com users. To know instantly what movie is playing near me is a must. And not to forget to be able to talk about the top videos on YouTube.

Both user communities seem to be into pragmatism. They all want to know how to do things. How to fill in my tax form, how can I save taxes, make more money, find the best schools, fix my house, fix my car, and so and so on. How to is a big thing.

And the national news. What is probable the CNN to the igoogle.com users that is the swissinfo to the Swiss. So here the users know where their focus is. In Switzerland the swiss news just comes after the PC news and the technology news trend. Once they know what is latest in technology, they want to know what their nation is doing.

What other conclusion could you draw out of this top ten list ? Just leave a comment if you like.

Like this:

Work: I am looking after the development of a few thousand leaders and employees with a very diversified cultural background stretching over 14 hours time zone. Life: I have two little kids and my wife is working as a system engineer.

And now I am starting to use the latest powers of Web 2.0 to get one more step ahead in designing the ultimate work-life balance.
It was last Sunday when I came about iGoogle. And there it was the ultimate environment to get my whole life and work organized in an instant.
So what has changed since then ?
I have setup two iGoogle accounts – one is for work and the other one for life.

Whenever I am at work I go to my iGoogle work account. There I have a number of gadgets that do some fancy stuff for me. I get the latest leadership quote of the day, the stock price of the company I work for, the latest news through Google Reader about my employer, all the news about Management, Leadership, Talent Management, Employee Development, Career Development and Human Resources and the weather forecast. I have also added Google Bookmarks and the be Twittered Gadget where I see the latest twitter for example from New York Times.
What is the result of this iGoogle for work ? Well, it takes me just 5 minutes and I have the latest update on my company and on my profession.
What other gadgets should I add ? Please leave your suggestions in the comment section below. Thank you.

Twice a day I will log into my iGoogle for Life. There I can leave a note for my wife or vice versa, see where it is raining or snowing (radar) right now, the receipe of the day or I can search for one, the latest discount offers, another to do list, the snow report of our favourite ski resort, time table search for the public transport, what is on teli tonight, what are the latest movies released, send a free sms, MSN Messenger, News (Menshealth, automotor, etc.), Telephone Book search, Route Search, Translator and search on eBay.
What other gadgets should I add ? Please leave your suggestions in the comment section below. Thank you.

CA-Los Angeles, Job Description: Growing and Dynamic Company looking to hire an Human Resources Administrative Assistant Essential Functions Reception. Welcome guests, record their visits, and notify appropriate parties of their arrivals. Ensure all calls are answered promptly and routed properly, representing our company with a high level of integrity and p […]

NY-New York, Auto req ID 707BR Title Human Resources Executive Assistant Job Type Staff Full Time Location New York Job Description Position Summary Position is responsible for providing administrative support for SVP, Human Resources, well as, specified members of the HR Leadership Team (HRLT). The position is also responsible for the coordination, planning […]

TX-Fort Worth, Position Description We focus on people. Our residents. Their lives. Their health. Their families. We are one of the largest providers of short-term and long-term health care services in the United States. Through our affiliated entities, we provide services through skilled nursing facilities in 23 states. We are committed to providing compass […]

CA-Rancho Cucamonga, DIRECT HIRE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER CORESTAFF Services is seeking a direct hire Human Resources Manager for a large financial services company located in Rancho Cucamonga. The Manager will focus on the consistent delivery of the employee experience and policy interpretation. Responsible for spearheading self-service initiatives and conti […]

CA-Santa Ana, Human Resources Generalist Ready to start or grow your Human Resources career? Randstad Professionals specializes in Human Resources staffing and helps over 1000 professionals start and grow their career each year. We have an immediate opportunity for a Human Resources Generalist that will be responsible for supporting with Worker's Compen […]

CA-Burbank, We are a commercial janitorial services company seeking a full time Human Resources Generalist. We are offering full time hours from 8AM - 5PM Monday through Friday and occasional overtime. The starting annual wage is $40,000. We would like our new colleague to be someone looking for long term employment and someone who wants to grow together wit […]

GA-Duluth, Japanese-English Bilingual Human Resources Specialist We have a new opportunity for Japanese-English bilingual professionals with one of our manufacturing clients in the greater Atlanta, GA area! We are looking for a Human Resources Specialist to help support several of their day-to-day HR activities to include, but not limited to addressing emplo […]

The weakest link in America's cyber defenses is the lack of trained personnel. Companies, the government and academia must work together to bridge this cybersecurity skills gap, says this opinion piece.

Corporate Social Responsibility [CSR] and Education for Sustainable Development [ESD] are closely related and complementary initiatives. CSR seeks to develop and expand the effectiveness of business contribution to our society. ESD seeks to provide all students [at all levels of learning] with the skills to incorporate socially responsible practice into thei […]

Two years ago, a first-year student at Kozminski University (KU) in Warsaw, Poland approached his family’s business in the south of the country with the intent of cutting expenses by reducing wasted electricity – an idea that was initially met with scepticism because it involved tackling a low-end cost. Fortunately, however, the student persisted and … Conti […]

76% of CEOs and senior executives polled in a global survey conducted during the height of the 2008 financial crisis believe that it is important that senior executives have the necessary knowledge and skills to respond to trends like climate change, resource scarcity and doing business in emerging markets marked by poverty, corruption and human … Continue r […]

In the current economic situation, demonstrating the relevance of non-financial performance in the dialogue between companies and investors is a more timely challenge than ever, concludes a major report released by EABIS and CSR Europe in support of the EU Alliance for CSR. This view was also recently endorsed by European Commission Vice-President Guenter Ve […]

Patients at risk of heart attacks and strokes may be spotted earlier thanks to a diagnosis tool that uses near-infrared light to identify high-risk arterial plaques, according to research carried out at WMG, University of Warwick, the Baker Institute and Monash University.

Martin Luther's posting of the 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg on 31 October 1517, what the Germans call the Thesenanschlag, is one of the most famous events of Western history - but did it actually happen? In 1517: Martin Luther and the Invention of the Reformation Professor Peter Marshall, of the University of Warwick’s Depart […]

The design of aeroplane wings and storing organs for transplant could both become safer and more effective, thanks to a synthetic antifreeze which prevents the growth of ice crystals, developed by researchers at the University of Warwick.

Scientists at Warwick Business School have trained a computer to recognise beautiful scenery using “deep learning”, an approach to artificial intelligence which is inspired by the architecture of the human brain.

Researchers at the Institute of Digital Healthcare in WMG, University of Warwick have been awarded an Innovate UK grant to assist Sweatco Ltd to further develop their app for users to earn more rewards from a broader range of exercise activities.

WMG, at the University of Warwick hosted a visit from the leader, and deputy leader, of Coventry City Council who were keen to see for themselves the significant investment in automotive research within the City.

Professor Tony Howard, of the University of Warwick’s Department of English and Comparative Studies, will lead a panel of performers and scholars on Tuesday 19th September at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, following a performance of 'Against Prejudice: Ira Aldridge, Theatre Manager', in considering the importance of Ira Aldridge’s achievements for hi […]

Parents of very premature or very low birth weight babies have the same life satisfaction as parents of full-term babies, when their children reach adulthood– according to new research by the University of Warwick.

The yellow legged or Asian hornet – a voracious predator of honey bees and other beneficial insects – could rapidly colonise the UK unless its spread is combatted, according to new research by the Universities of Warwick and Newcastle, working with the National Bee Unit.

TOKYO, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Japanese government bond prices were steady to a touch firmer on Friday with the market underpinned after gains by U.S. Treasuries and a regular debt-buying operation by the Bank of Japan.

MELBOURNE, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Chevron Corp has withdrawn an appeal to Australia's High Court over a disputed A$340 million ($268 million) tax bill, leaving in place a landmark court ruling on related-party loans that could affect other multinational companies.

HONG KONG, Aug 18 (Reuters) - JPMorgan Chase & Co named on Friday Lan Chen as the vice chairperson of the U.S. bank's global investment banking business in China as part of its efforts to expand in that market, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters.

To access the newsletter, click on the link: http://share.thomsonreuters.com/assets/newsletters/Indiamorning/MNC_IN_08182017.pdf If you would like to receive this newsletter via email, please register at: https://forms.thomsonreuters.com/india-morning/ FACTORS TO WATCH 9:30 am: NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant at National Summit on 100 Smart Cities India 2017 in […]

MEXICO CITY, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Emilio Lozoya, the former head of Mexican oil firm Pemex, on Thursday denied he was involved in shifting cash to President Enrique Pena Nieto's campaign, saying bank accounts where millions of dollars were allegedly deposited were not his.

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Asian stock investors joined a global retreat from riskier assets on Friday and the dollar wavered on growing doubts about U.S. President Donald Trump's ability to deliver his economic agenda.

(Reuters) - Wisconsin's Republican-controlled state Assembly voted 59-30 on Thursday to approve a bill that paves the way for a $3 billion incentives package for a proposed liquid-crystal display plant by Taiwan's Foxconn.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two lawyers appointed to senior jobs at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission have ties to major companies including financial firms Goldman Sachs Group Inc and Wells Fargo & Co that could complicate efforts to regulate them, according to government documents viewed by Reuters.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Auto industry groups from Canada, Mexico and the United States are pushing back against the Trump administration's demand for higher U.S. automotive content in a modernized North American Free Trade Agreement.

(Reuters) - Three U.S. pension funds sued six of the world's largest banks on Thursday, including Goldman Sachs Group Inc and JP Morgan Chase & Co , accusing them of conspiring to stifle competition in the more than $1 trillion stock lending market.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Lawyers for car owners suing General Motors Co over faulty ignition switches and other defects on Thursday accused the carmaker of meddling in settlement talks and having issued threats that led to the canceling of an agreement.

(Reuters) - A new lawsuit accuses Nestle SA of blatantly violating the rights of Atari by using without permission the classic 1970s video game "Breakout" in a new marketing campaign for its Kit Kat chocolate-covered wafers.